A Korean Skincare Routine for Absolute Beginners

K-beauty routines have a reputation for having ten-plus steps, but you really only need four to get results: cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect with SPF during the day.

Start with a gentle, low-pH cleanser to avoid stripping your skin barrier. Follow with a hydrating toner to prep your skin for the next steps. A lightweight moisturizer locks in hydration without feeling heavy, even in humid weather.

Once your skin adjusts, you can layer in a centella or niacinamide serum for extra soothing and brightening. The key is consistency, not complexity — a simple routine you'll actually stick to beats a complicated one you abandon after a week.